Georgia Northwestern freshman Megan Flaherty, manager turned reserve player, gets her first collegiate playing time Friday afternoon in the Welch College Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee.
Georgia Northwestern freshman Keesha Wise takes a hard foul in the final minutes on Friday afternoon in the Welch College Invitational in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Nashville, TN) – A small Piedmont International squad forced Georgia Northwestern into something they weren’t used to on Friday afternoon in Nashville, Tennessee.
A half-court style of play.
The opening round of the Welch College Invitational proved troublesome for the NJCAA Region XVII defending champs.
“The slower style of play really threw us for a loop in this one,” said Georgia Northwestern Women’s Head Basketball Coach Jim Williams.
“However, we’ve been there.” Transition play in the second half led to breakaway baskets by the Lady Cats as they pick up the tough road win, 71-62.
Halfway through the first period, a jumper in the paint from senior Piedmont guard Emily Buffaloe gave the Lady Bruins their only lead of the HALF, 19-18. However, lots of fresh legs and speed down the court helped the Lady Cats claw to a nine-point lead at the break, 33-24.
For Georgia Northwestern, Freshman Keesha Wise led all Lady Cats with 17 points in the road win. Fellow freshmen Alyssa Nichelson and Mariah Price added a dozen each in the effort. Price also made a trio of swipes on the day. Freshman Odessa Person pulled down nine boards, as well.
The side story of the game was the three minutes of play earned by the last player on the roster, Megan Flaherty. The 5-foot-8, 145 pound forward started the season as the Lady Cats manager. She quickly decided she wanted to try to earn a reserve spot on the team. Although she scored no points in her collegiate debut, it’s a moment the team seemed to cheer on.
“Every Lady Cat is a huge part of this team,” said Williams. “We’re proud of Megan and the entire team. This was a nice road win.”
The Lady Cats (1-2) play one more in the Nashville tournament Saturday morning at 10 a.m. eastern against Warren Wilson College.
For more information on Lady Cats Basketball at Georgia Northwestern, contact the Office of Sports Information at 706.764.3813 or email to dfoley@gntc.edu. Georgia Northwestern has five campuses across Northwest Georgia directly serving nine different counties in the Peach State.
Georgia Northwestern (62) – Kiarra Parks 10, Jones 3, Daughtry, Cole 5, Alyssa Nichelson 12, Flaherty, Keesha Wise 17, Smith, Mariah Price 12, Mostella 8, Person 4.
Piedmont International (71) – Emily Buffaloe 27, Ellis, Sandy Holt 13, Richards 4, Spear 2, Suzanne Smith 17.
Halftime Score: 33-24, Georgia Northwestern.